Summer Theatre TEEN YOUNG CONSERVATORY ACTORS ENSEMBLE LITTLE THEATRE IMPROV WEEK The Play Group Theatre - Westchester s Theatre for Children and Teens 914-946-4433 FAX 914-946-1336 www.playgroup.org
WELCOME Welcome to PGT Summer Theatre... a place where magic happens each and every day... a summer experience that opens up the imagination, nurtures the creative soul, inspires children and teenagers to reach for what they might have thought impossible... and to succeed. Ten year old voices carry Shakespeare s words through the air... fifteen year olds blend their voices in beautiful harmony... four year olds discover their creative voices and learn to share them freely... children and teenagers join together to learn and explore laughter, music, dance, blossoming friendships, growing self confidence... these are the sights and sounds of PGT Summer Theatre. The PGT Summer staff is dedicated to providing a warm, safe and loving environment where children and teenagers are free to dream and to create - to be silly and to confront some very real issues - to challenge themselves and to discover their own talents and abilities. This brochure contains the details of the programs which make up PGT Summer Theatre. If you find you still have unanswered questions, we will be happy to speak with you or to meet with you and your child. We are very much looking forward to a summer filled with all of the wonder the theatre can create. We hope you will join us! Steven and Jill Abusch and the PGT Summer Staff The PGTheatre Mission The Play Group Theatre (PGTheatre) is a nonprofit, educational theatre organization dedicated to providing process-oriented theatre training and diverse performance opportunities to children and teenagers. Through classes, school residencies, technical internships, a full summer program and a varied and continual performance calendar, PGTheatre strives to enable students to develop collaborative and communication skills, artistry, self-esteem, love of theatre and a dedication to the community as a whole. Page 2
2007 SUMMER INFORMATION SUMMER 2007 DATES and TIMES Full Session 6 Week Young Actors Ensemble (ages 8-13) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm July 9 - August 17, 2007 6 Week Teen Conservatory (ages 13-17) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm July 9 - August 17, 2007 Little Theatre (ages 3-7) Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 1:00pm July 9 - August 16, 2007 First Session 3 Week Young Actors Ensemble (ages 8-13) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm July 9 - July 27, 2007 3 Week Teen Conservatory (ages 13-17) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm July 9 - July 27, 2007 Little Theatre (ages 3-7) Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 1:00pm July 9 - July 26, 2007 Second Session 3 Week Young Actors Ensemble (ages 8-13) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm July 30 - August 17, 2007 3 Week Teen Conservatory (ages 13-17) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm July 30 - August 17, 2007 Little Theatre (ages 3-7) Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 1:00pm July 30 - August 16, 2007 One week workshop Improv Week (1 week workshop) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:00pm July 30 - August 3, 2007 SUMMER 2007 LOCATION All PGT Summer Theatre 2007 programs will be held at Kol Ami on Soundview Avenue in White Plains. Classes are held both indoors and outdoors. Indoor classrooms and the theatre are air conditioned. ENROLLMENT and THE AUDITION PROCESS Students in the six week and three week programs are required to audition to participate in PGT Summer Theatre. Little Theatre and One Week Workshop students do not need to audition. Auditions will be held in March, April and May. Please complete and return the registration form with your deposit. Registered students will be contacted to schedule a 10 minute audition appointment. We are looking for students with an interest in the collaborative artistic process, and the focus, maturity, creativity and spirit that is needed for PGT Summer Theatre. If, following the audition, we do not believe you will be successful in our intensive summer environment, we will refund any tuition payments you have made. Please see the next page for further information on the Audition. Students of all levels, from beginner to novice, take part in PGT summer programs. ATTENDANCE At PGT Summer Theatre, as with all PGT programs, consistent and reliable attendance is important. The students are working together toward a final goal and the success of each rehearsal relies on all actors being there. We ask students to take the commitment to the program seriously and keep missed days to an absolute minimum. TRANSPORTATION and LUNCH Students and their families are expected to provide their own transportation to and from PGT Summer. PGT is happy to help you arrange carpools with other families from your neighborhood. You will receive information about carpools closer to the start of the summer. PGT assumes no responsibility for transportation safety. Students are expected to provide their own lunch and are encouraged to bring plenty of water to drink throughout the day. Lunch is held outdoors, weather permitting. PREVIOUS SUMMER SHOWS HAVE INCLUDED: THE ME NOBODY KNOWS FAME WORKING Dear Edwina Page 3
Our oldest students, ages 13-17, will find each day filled with new challenges. From writing and performing their own songs, to assistant teaching in our younger classes, several new elements of the PGT Summer experience have been created for this program. Each day, students will take a two hour intensive class in Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance or Improv, as well as a one hour elective class of their choosing. Electives will include Audition Skills, Directing, On Camera, Stage Craft, Yoga and more. In addition, three hours will be dedicated to rehearsal. Students in the Teen Conservatory will be cast in an ensemble based musical, which will allow each actor to be an integral part of the cast. Shows are selected for their age appropriateness, including subject matter, music and text, which inspire both the actors and the artistic staff. In the past, students in the conservatory have written their own complete musical Throughout this intense, yet non-competitive process, an atmosphere of respect, support and kindness is maintained in all classes, rehearsals and performances, allowing friendships to flourish and artistic abilities to be nurtured. The Teen Conservatory is an advanced program. Students should be prepared to tackle difficult material and to move quickly through that material. They will be challenged to work at a professional level, taking advantage of this new intense program to grow and reach their individual and collective artistic potential. Acceptance into the Teen Conservatory will be based on the audition, and will be determined by artistic merit as well as a strong commitment to the learning process. TEEN CONSERVATORY I have no doubt in my mind that I owe much of who I am to The Play Group Theatre - the teachers I ve had, the actors I ve worked with, the plays I ve done.i owe myself to PGT - Seth age 18 Thank you for having a place where I can perform and work on my craft. I don t know what I would do without PGT. - Danny age 13 Page 4
YOUNG ACTORS ENSEMBLE From Morning Hello to theatre games each afternoon, students days are filled with imagination, creativity, nurtured friendships, new challenges, laughter, singing, dancing and so much more. Thank you for the most amazing summer that I ve ever had! Students, ages 8-13, participate in three different classes each day. Each class is an opportunity to explore new ideas and foster their growing skills in the performing arts. The students will see a variety of teaching artists each day and throughout the week. Classes will include Acting, Dance, Voice, Stage Combat, Improvisation, Accents and Dialects, Diction, Masks, Monologues, and more. Ilana age 12 PGT makes the world of theatre a magical, loving place where everyone is special, everyone counts and everyone grows and learns to support each other. You have created a special environment that will remain in our hearts always Karen & Randy PGT Parents Actors are encouraged to apply the techniques they are learning in their classes to the rehearsal process. Three hours every day are dedicated to rehearsal. All the students in the Young Actors Ensemble will be cast in an ensemble based musical. Each show is cast with many considerations most importantly, where each student will have the best social and artistic experience. Shows are chosen based on the number of students and their ages, with an eye toward what will both challenge and inspire the artistic abilities of the cast. This program is a complete immersion into the world of theatre. From fun-filled activities designed to open up the imagination to advanced acting technique classes, the students are asked to take creative risks, and to support one another through the artistic process. The result is a non-competitive environment, where each student flourishes, both individually and as a member of the artistic ensemble, and a performance which reflects the unique energy and spirit of the cast. Page 5
IMPROV WEEK Students participating in this one week workshop get a fun-filled and intensive introduction to the wacky world of Improv. Through participation in a variety of classes and rehearsals, students will explore this most spontaneous art of acting in an ensemble environment. Being able to spend every day with close friends who all share a common interest is one of the best things that you could ever experience! Kyle age 15 Not many people can say they made friends for life, were part of an amazing show, and learned incredible skills in only a couple of weeks.but thanks to PGT Summer Camp, I most certainly can! It is an amazing summer experience that I will always cherish and never forget! Classes include Acting, Dance Voice, Masks, On-Camera - all taught with an emphasis on the improvisational aspects of these disciplines. Rehearsals are filled with Improv exercises and games, taking time to learn and incorporate Improv Technique. All classes and rehearsals focus on group dynamics, making quick acting choices and following each unique creative impulse to the fullest. Included in this week is a trip into New York City to work with Chicago City Limits, a professional Improv troupe, and to see their show. At the end of their week at PGT, students put together all they have learned in an informal Improv Night presentation. Our one-weekers are fully absorbed into the life of PGT Summer, joining in on all social activities and special events which take place during this week. Sarah age 17 Page 6
LITTLE THEATRE Our youngest campers, ages 3-7, enjoy the benefits of being part of the bigger program, while still having their own space and their own program designed especially for them. Little Theatre joins the rest of the students to start and end each day, and in between, they enjoy their own classes in acting, dance and singing - even good old fun in the sprinkler. They fully explore opening up their imaginations, performing for their peers, and using their bodies and voices to give expression to the unique creative spark within each of them. Puppets, masks, instruments, costumes, props and music are present throughout each day and craft projects are used to further explore the artistic process. Outdoor creative play is included daily, as are snack and juice, which PGT provides. Little Theatre students get the chance to study with a variety of the PGT teaching artists throughout the week, while they also benefit from the consistency of the Little Theatre Staff who guide them through each day, from Morning Hello through all classes and activities, to lunchtime and dismissal. Little Theatre takes place in two sessions. Different material is covered in each session and we look forward to having many of the same young students from session 1 return for session 2. Each Little Theatre session ends with an informal presentation of the students work for family, friends and all of the PGT Summer students and staff. PGT summer is so much more than a camp. It s a family Molly Age 14 For months my daughter counts the days until the PGT Summer Program begins - she loves it that much! - Susan PGT Parent Page 7
PERFORMANCES After weeks of intensive rehearsals, we are ready for our performances! All of the summer shows will take place at the Kol Ami Theatre. Performances are open to the public and will perform during the 3rd and 6th weeks of PGT Summer Theatre with weekend, matinee and evening performances. THE AUDITION 3 WEEK PERFORMANCES July 25-26, August 15-16 6 WEEK PERFORMANCES August 13-16 To audition for the 3 or 6 week Teen Conservatory: Students should prepare 2 songs, an up-tempo and a ballad, as well as a monologue (each being 1-2 minutes in length) To audition for the 3 or 6 week Young Actors Ensemble Students should prepare a brief monologue and a song (each being 1-2 minutes in length) Students are expected to be fully prepared for their audition; audition material should be well rehearsed and committed to memory. All actors should bring to their audition a current photo of themselves sheet music for their song (in the right key), so the Musical Director can accompany them on the piano. Check our website at playgroup.org for possible monologues and ideas on where to find monologue collection books. If you have questions about preparing your audition, please call Jill at 946-4433 TRIPS & SPECIAL EVENTS Summer Theatre 2007 will include two exciting NEW YORK CITY TRIPS! The new BROADWAY musical LEGALLY BLONDE! followed by a Meet the Actors Question and Answer session after the performance. CHICAGO CITY LIMITS workshop with the professional NYC Improv Troupe, followed by their hilarious Improv show. The summer is filled with SPECIAL EVENTS designed to open up the imagination, let creativity run wild... and, to just be fun!!! Past favorites include: Ice Cream for Breakfast Island Getaway Day Crazy Hair Day The Unbirthday Party Page 8
PAYMENTS SUMMER POLICIES SUMMER PROGRAMS STUDENT & FAMILY INFORMATION Student s Name Please use one Registration Form per student. Please print all information. Student s Age Birth Date / / Current Grade Street Address City State Zip Home Phone # Fax # Student s E-Mail Would you like to receive PGT e-mail updates? Yes No Mother s Name E-Mail Work # Cell # Company Occupation Father s Name E-Mail Work # Cell # Company Occupation Please pay by check or complete credit card information below. Payment by check is preferred. Please make all checks payable to The Play Group Theatre Or circle one: MASTER CARD VISA I authorize the following charge to be made to my credit card. In addition, I authorize payment of any balance owed to be charged to the same card, on or after June 1, 2007. Card Number Exp. Date Security Code by signature Signature SUMMER PROGRAM FULL SESSION: (July 10-August 19) please check one 6 WEEK TEEN CONSERVATORY (ages 13-17) $2,975 6 WEEK YOUNG ACTORS ENSEMBLE (ages 8-13) $2,975 6 WEEK LITTLE THEATRE (ages 3-7) (ends August 18) $1,375 FIRST SESSION: (July 10-July 28) please check one 3 WEEK TEEN CONSERVATORY (ages 13-17) $1,775 3 WEEK YOUNG ACTORS ENSEMBLE (ages 8-13) $1,775 3 WEEK LITTLE THEATRE (ages 3-7) (ends July 27) $ 775 SECOND SESSION: (July 31-August 19) please check one 3 WEEK TEEN CONSERVATORY (ages 13-17) $1,775 3 WEEK YOUNG ACTORS ENSEMBLE (ages 8-13) $1,775 3 WEEK LITTLE THEATRE (ages 3-7) (ends August 18) $ 775 IMPROV WEEK - ONE WEEK WORKSHOP (ages 10-17) $ 595 Sibling Discount (-$150 for each additional child after the first) $ Amount Tax-Deductible donation (thank you!) PLEASE SEND THIS FORM, ALONG WITH YOUR PAYMENT TO: The Play Group Theatre 200 Hamilton Ave, Suite 9B Fax Credit Card enrollments to 914-946-1336 White Plains, NY 10601 TOTAL DUE Enclosed Deposit (50% minimum) Balance (postdated check enclosed or credit card payment - due June 1, 2007) AUDITIONS: All students, with the exception of Little Theatre and Improv Week, are required to audition. Registered students will be contacted to schedule their 10-minute audition appointment. PAYMENT: Financial Aid may be available. Please call for a scholarship application. If paying by credit card, the balance of your deposit will be automatically charged to the same card on June 1, 2007. If paying by check, a postdated check for the balance must be included with your deposit and registration, dated June 1, 2007 Refund Policy: A FULL tuition refund will be granted prior to March 1, 2007 minus $250 non-refundable deposit. A 50% tuition refund will be granted prior to June 1, 2007. A 25% tuition refund will be granted prior to July 1, 2007. No refunds will be granted after July 1, 2007. *Additional fee may apply for trips to New York City. Details to follow closer to the start of the program. **PGT reserves the right to cancel or change dates, shows, times, locations and/or directors and teachers of all programs offered. Fee For Office Use Only: Date Rec d Payment 1 Payment 2 Q L 2007 SUMMER REGISTRATION FORM
VOLUNTEER FORM Please complete even if you have completed this form in a previous season As a family of families, PGT relies on parent volunteers to help create a positive experience for all of our students. Each family will be asked to work at a performance of their child s show, selling tickets, ushering or selling concessions. We count on families to help in other areas as well, including set building and painting, costume design, sewing, props gathering, photography, and ad solicitation. Additionally, several parent committees have been formed to help with ongoing efforts, including fundraising, grant writing, publicity and event planning. We ask that you return the Volunteer Form along with your child s registration, indicating how you would like to be a part of PGT. How would you like to help? Name: Phone: home cell Child s Name: work Best time to call/& Number: E-mail Address: Available Volunteer Hours: Days Evenings Weekends Special Skills/Interests: (Please check those categories for which you would be interested in volunteering.) Photography Performance Volunteer Set Building Painting Costume Design Sewing Props Gathering Coordinator Ad Solicitation Office Work (Mailings, etc.) Making Phone Calls Committees: Publicity Fundraising Grant Writing Kick-Off Event Planning Other: Page 10
HOW TO REACH US ONLINE website: general e-mail: www.playgroup.org pgtoffice@playgroup.org AT CAMP Phone 914-946-0649 STAFF & PHONE DIRECTORY phone: 914-946-4433 fax: 914-946-1336 Steven Abusch Executive Director Jill Abusch Artistic Director Jeff Downing Associate Artistic Director Jaclyn Harriott Director of Operations Stacie Moye Outreach Coordinator Stephanie Kovacs Master Teacher Box Office Steven@playgroup.org Jill@playgroup.org Jeff@playgroup.org Jaclyn@playgroup.org Stacie@playgroup.org Stephanie@playgroup.org PGToffice@playgroup.org OFFICE & STUDIOS 200 Hamilton Avenue, Ste. 9B White Plains, NY 10601 DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO STUDIOS (Auditions) Take Route 287 to exit 6 (Route 22). Follow signs to Route 22 South towards downtown White Plains. (Route 22 is also North Broadway.) Turn right on Hamilton Avenue (follow sign to DMV). The White Plains Mall is a few blocks up on the right at Hamilton Avenue and Cottage Place. Turn right on Cottage Place for parking. The Play Group Theatre is Suite 9B on the 2nd floor of The White Plains Mall. These studios are for auditions only. DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO CAMP Take Hutchinson Pkwy to exit 23N Mamaroneck Avenue. Take Mamaroneck Avenue North to Ridgeway. Turn Left onto Ridgeway. Cross Old Mamaroneck Road and continue straight onto Soundview Ave. Take Soundview Avenue along the bends up the hill then follow the bend in the road to the right. Turn left into Congregation Kol Ami entrance just after the bend in the road. Page 11
PGT SUMMER THEATRE PROGRAMS Page 4 SIX WEEKS July 9-August 17 THREE WEEKS July 9-July 27 or July 30-August 17 Page 7 ONE WEEK improvisation workshop July 30-August 3 VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE FOR SUMMER INFO AT PLAYGROUP.ORG The Play Group Theatre 200 Hamilton Avenue, Ste. 9B White Plains, NY 10601 TIME DATED MATERIAL TEEN CONSERVATORY AGES 13 17 BY AUDITION YOUNG ACTORS ENSEMBLE AGES 8 13 BY AUDITION LITTLE THEATRE AGES 3 7 OPEN ENROLLMENT IMPROV WEEK AGES 10 1 7 OPEN ENROLLMENT SIX WEEKS July 9-August 17 THREE WEEKS July 9-July 27 or July 30-August 17 Page 5 SIX WEEKS July 9-August 16 THREE WEEKS July 9-July 26 or July 30-August 16 Page 6 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WHITE PLAINS, NY PERMIT NO. 311